St John of Capistrano was born in Italy in 1386. He studied law and married a woman from an important family in Perugia, Italy, and in 1412 became the city’s governor.
He was imprisoned during a civil war. During that time, he had a vision of St Francis. He experienced a spiritual conversion, was dispensed from his marriage vows, joined the Friars Minor in 1416 and was ordained in 1420.
John became a great preacher. He also worked to reform his order and served as the friars’ vicar general. In 1456, he led a wing of the Christian army in a successful battle against the Turks, who had besieged Belgrade. He died in 1456, and his Feast Day is October 23.
The Southern Cross Team
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